Iran Guard naval chief says ships need Iran permission to pass Strait of Hormuz
A senior Iranian naval commander said vessels must obtain permission from Iran before passing through the Strait of Hormuz after several ships were hit near the waterway.
Alireza Tangsiri, head of the naval arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said ships that ignored warnings and attempted to transit the strait had run into trouble.
He cited the vessels Expres Rome and Mayuree Naree, saying they had tried to pass despite warnings and were caught in incidents.
Maritime security agencies said three ships were hit by unknown projectiles on Wednesday, bringing the number of vessels struck in the area since the war began to at least 14.
The Thailand-flagged bulk carrier Mayuree Naree was hit by two projectiles, causing a fire and damage to the engine room, its operator Precious Shipping said. Twenty crew members were evacuated in Oman while three were reported missing.
Two other ships also sustained damage: the Japan-flagged container ship ONE Majesty, operated by Ocean Network Express, and the bulk carrier Star Gwyneth, owned by Star Bulk Carriers. Crews on those vessels were reported safe.
